Core Viewpoint - Artesian Resources Corporation reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net income and revenues compared to the same period in 2024 [2][3]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $5.4 million, a $1.0 million increase or 23.2% compared to Q1 2024 [2]. - Diluted net income per share rose 23.0% to $0.53 from $0.43 in the same quarter of 2024 [2]. - Total revenues reached $25.9 million, reflecting a $1.3 million increase or 5.5% from Q1 2024 [3]. Revenue Breakdown - Water sales revenue increased by $0.9 million, or 4.3%, driven by higher water consumption and a new Distribution System Improvement Charge of 1.66% effective January 1, 2025 [4]. - Other utility operating revenue grew by approximately $0.3 million, or 11.4%, mainly due to increased wastewater revenue from a larger customer base [4]. - Non-utility operating revenue saw an increase of about $0.1 million, or 8.0%, primarily from the Service Line Protection Plan [5]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and income taxes, rose by $0.5 million, or 3.1% [6]. - Utility operating expenses increased by $0.4 million, or 3.1%, due to higher administrative costs and purchased power and water costs, partially offset by lower supply and treatment costs [6]. Rate Increase Application - Artesian Water Company filed a request for a 10.75% increase in customer rates, amounting to approximately $9.4 million annually, to support capital improvements and cover rising operational costs [8]. - A temporary rate increase of 1.22% is proposed to take effect on June 3, 2025, generating an additional $1.2 million in annual revenue [8]. Capital Expenditures - The company invested $10.4 million in water and wastewater infrastructure projects during the first quarter of 2025, focusing on rehabilitating aging infrastructure and upgrading facilities [10][11]. Company Overview - Artesian Resources Corporation operates as a holding company for subsidiaries providing water and wastewater services on the Delmarva Peninsula, with Artesian Water Company being the largest regulated water utility in the region [12]. - The company supplies 9.4 billion gallons of water annually through 1,491 miles of mains to over a third of Delaware's population [12].